Elevate Academy

Meet Our Esteemed Instructors

At Elevate Academy, we pride ourselves on having a faculty of experienced and passionate industry professionals dedicated to helping you achieve your filmmaking dreams. Our instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom, providing you with the skills and connections you need to succeed.

Eleanor Vance, Headshot of Eleanor Vance, veteran film producer and Head of School

Eleanor Vance

Head of School & Film Production Instructor

Eleanor Vance is a veteran film producer with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Her credits include several award-winning independent films, and she has worked with some of the most talented actors and filmmakers in Hollywood. As the Head of School at Elevate Academy, Eleanor is dedicated to providing students with a rigorous and practical education that will prepare them for success in the competitive world of filmmaking.

Eleanor's passion for film began at a young age, and she pursued her dream by earning a degree in Film Studies from the University of Southern California. After graduating, she quickly made a name for herself in the independent film scene, producing several critically acclaimed films that premiered at prestigious film festivals around the world. She is also a member of the Producers Guild of America.

  • Specialty: Film Production, Directing, Producing
  • Notable Achievement: Produced "The Last Song," winner of the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize
Ben Carter, headshot of Ben Carter, award-winning screenwriter

Ben Carter

Screenwriting Instructor

Ben Carter is an award-winning screenwriter with over a decade of experience writing for film and television. He has written for several popular TV shows and has also penned screenplays for major Hollywood studios. Ben is passionate about teaching the art of storytelling and helping aspiring screenwriters develop their craft.

Ben's screenwriting career began after he won a prestigious screenwriting competition with his original screenplay, "City of Dreams." The screenplay was subsequently produced into a major motion picture starring some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Ben has since gone on to write for numerous TV shows and films, earning him critical acclaim and industry recognition.

  • Specialty: Screenwriting, Storytelling, Character Development
  • Notable Achievement: Winner of the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for "City of Dreams"
Isabelle Rodriguez, Headshot of Isabelle Rodriguez, accomplished actress and acting coach

Isabelle Rodriguez

Acting for Film Instructor

Isabelle Rodriguez is an accomplished actress and acting coach with over 15 years of experience in the performing arts. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows and has also worked as a stage actress in both Los Angeles and New York City. Isabelle is dedicated to helping her students develop their acting skills and find their unique voice as performers.

Isabelle's acting career began on the stage, where she honed her skills in classical and contemporary plays. She quickly transitioned to film and television, where she landed roles in several high-profile projects. Isabelle is known for her versatility and her ability to embody a wide range of characters. She is also a certified Meisner Technique instructor.

  • Specialty: Acting for Film, Method Acting, Scene Study
  • Notable Achievement: Nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
David Chen, Headshot of David Chen, expert in digital media arts and visual effects

David Chen

Digital Media Arts Instructor

David Chen is an expert in digital media arts, with a focus on visual effects, animation, and graphic design. He has worked on numerous films and television shows, creating stunning visuals that have captivated audiences worldwide. David is passionate about teaching the latest software and techniques to his students, empowering them to create cutting-edge content for the digital age.

David's career in digital media arts began after he earned a degree in Computer Graphics from the California Institute of Technology. He quickly became a sought-after visual effects artist, working on blockbuster films and award-winning television shows. David is also a certified Adobe instructor.

  • Specialty: Digital Media Arts, Visual Effects, Animation
  • Notable Achievement: Won a Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature for "Guardians of the Galaxy"

Our instructors are not only talented educators but also active members of the film and media arts community in Los Angeles. They bring their passion, expertise, and industry connections to Elevate Academy, providing you with an unparalleled learning experience. Contact Us to learn more about our instructors and courses.